Latest news with #fairies
BBC News
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Friend believed Cottingley Fairies hoax photos were real
A woman who "spent her whole life believing in fairies" was "horrified" to learn the world-famous Cottingley Fairies photographs were a hoax, her son has images, taken by Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright between 1917 and 1920, apparently depicted the cousins surrounded by magical creatures in a garden in Whittaker said his mother Mary Anderson had been given a set by best friend Frances and had been "convinced" they were real but wanted to throw them out when Elsie confessed they were fake in he saved them and two of the five photos are due to go under the hammer in Louth. The pictures became a worldwide sensation when Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle published them in 1920, believing them to be had been examined by experts and one of them was commissioned by Bradford's Theosophical Society to produce a number of prints to be passed a set to Mary, who "totally believed" they were genuine, said Mr Whittaker, adding that she showed them to neighbours and family Elsie revealed the fairies had been made out of paper cut-outs and hatpins, Mary "felt so let down", her son said."She brought out the photographs and the archive of material she had collected over the years and told us to throw it all out," said the 85-year-old, who lives in Saltfleetby."It was only because my wife intervened and offered to take care of it in case she changed her mind that it did not end up in the dustbin. "Mother never did change her mind." Though Elsie maintained none of the images were real, Frances insisted one was genuine and that the pair had seen fairies by the beck in photographs in original wallets will go to auction on Tuesday, as well as a photo of Mary and Frances on an outing in the early archive of material will also go under the hammer."We're not actually concerned about value, we are more concerned it will go to someone who will look after and respect them," Mr Whittaker said. Auctioneer James Laverack, from John Taylors Auction Rooms, said the "very rare" photos were "the first high quality prints to be made of the glass plate negatives."He said the photographs were "wonderful things to have in the auction" and that they were "delighted" to take them to of the lots is expected to fetch more than four figures, the auction house added. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What Kind of Fairy You Are, Based on Your Birth Month
What Kind of Fairy You Are, Based on Your Birth Month originally appeared on Parade. When you think of fairies, Tinkerbell from Peter Pan or Flora, Fauna, and Merriweather from Sleeping Beauty may immediately come to mind. Pop culture typically displays fairies as cute little do-gooder sprites. In actuality, 'fairy' is a rather broad term to describe an array of mythical creatures that have human-like characteristics and supernatural powers. Fairies are commonly found in European folklore, some described as 'fae' or 'fae folk.' Sometimes, fairies have positive connotations, such as the kindly fairy godmother who helps Cinderella. More often than not, fairies are typically mischievous creatures that are equally respected and feared in mythology. Each fairy has special powers that combine magic with the natural world. According to mystics, occultists, and fae devotees, each birth month is assigned its very own fairy. What fairy aligns with you? What Fairy Are You Paired With, Based on Your Birth Month? Check for the month you were born for pro insights. January - The Fairy of Snowflakes Cool, calm, and collected perfectly describe those born in January. These individuals embody the crisp winter weather, which is why January-born aligns with the Fairy of Snowflakes. This special fairy controls the winter wonderland that the January-born are familiar with. The Fairy of Snowflakes has power over the winter storms, ranging from biting frosts to whirling blizzards depending on the mood. Not only does January-born resonate with this fairy's chilly disposition, but January-born will also love this fairy's ice-blue and silver appearance. January-born can always call upon the Fairy of Snowflakes for a mid-winter surprise. February - The Fairy of Wind Of all birth months, February birthdays always take the world by surprise. These individuals have a whirlwind of energy and an ever-changing personality. The Fairy of Wind feels called to those born in February. Light on its feet and ever moving, the Fairy of Wind has a mutable disposition. February-born know when their fairy is swayed as the winds change. Whether the air feels alive with emotion and anticipation, February-born resonates with whatever the Fairy of Wind is going through. These flighty, finicky people have an affinity for the Fairy of Wind, because they see themselves in this sprite. March - The Fairy of Dreams March-born have an otherworldly personality. Those born in this month are highly attuned with astral travel and lucid dreaming. It's no surprise that March-born are natural seers, which is why the Fairy of Dreams comes to them. The Fairy of Dreams is ultra-mystical, as this fae has a magical yet undefined look. The Fairy of Dreams has a cozy, yet far-off vibe. Like March birthdays are at home with the Fairy of Dreams as they wander fantastical dimensions together. The Fairy of Dreams can help those born in March tap into other worlds, spiritual energies, and psychic gifts while sleeping. READ: The Color Palette of Your Aura, Based on Birth Month April - The Fairy of Storms April babies share a thunderous personality and larger-than-life energy. Those born during this month are boisterous, excitable, and confident. Nothing deters April-born from going after what they want. Their electric personality summons the Fairy of Storms. Bright and ecstatic, the Fairy of Storms shares April-born's wavering emotionality. The Fairy of Storms can bring on a sunny day with clear skies or an impromptu spring shower depending on the vibe. April-born understands how quickly the Fairy of Storms cycles through its feelings. Together, April birthdays and the Fairy of Storms are a force to reckon with. May - The Fairy of Blossoms As the old saying goes, 'April showers bring May flowers.' Thanks to April-born and their Fairy of Storms, those born in May are connected with the Fairy of Blossoms. May's special fairy only blooms during this month. The Fairy of Blossoms represents the renewing energy of springtime. May-born will know when the Fairy of Blossoms is around. A rainbow of flower petals follows this delicate sprite wherever it goes as the Fairy of Blossoms beckons each bud to spring forward. May-born can honor this fairy by tending to their gardens and caring for their flora. June - The Fairy of the Fables Can anyone mentally and intellectually keep up with those born in June? June birthdays are beloved for their curiosity and wit. They are often gifted mercurials, which intrigues the Fairy of the Fables. Of all fae folks, the Fairy of the Fables is the trickiest. This sprite is known for its wealth of knowledge, tongue twisters, gossip, and more. June-born will feel drawn to this fae, because the Fairy of the Fables promises intellectual stimulation. The Fairy of the Fables connects with June birthdays over their shared appreciation for storytelling and getting a kick out of duping others. July - The Fairy of the Luminaries July birthdays align with both the sun and the moon. The sun provides warmth and vitality whereas the moon sustains emotional strength and support to those born in this month. As July babies call upon the stars, the Fairy of the Luminaries awakens. This unique fairy has the magical energy of both the sun and moon within, aligning with July-born's luminosity. July babies will feel this sprite's presence basking under the sun's rays or dreaming under the moonlight. The Fairy of the Luminaries will help July-born harness their true potential and unlock their star powers. OTHER: Timeless, Old Soul? 4 Signs You Carry Ancient Wisdom in Your Soul August - The Fairy of Animals Animals of all kinds are drawn to those born in August. These individuals are attuned to all life forms, especially animals. August babies immediately connect and understand all animals. Their high levels of empathy resonate with the Fairy of Animals. Creatures of all kinds flock to the Fairy of Animals for anything they need. Similar to the fae, August-born often provides immense relief, love, and care to all beasts. Together, they make a significant difference in each living being's life. Both the sprite and August-born are always willing to care for any critter. September - The Fairy of Love Is there anything more important than love? As die-hard romantics, September-born love deeply. These individuals truly believe that everyone has a soulmate, which fuels their desire to find their partner. Their open heart and desire to find romance sings to the Fairy of Love. This special sprite can assist September birthdays in manifesting their soulmates. However, it's possible that September-born will fall for the Fairy of Love, and vice versa. Having a romantic connection with the fae might be all the encouragement September-born need to leave the human world forever to join their lover in fairyland. October - The Fairy of Sensuality No other birth month embodies their primal passions like those born in October. These individuals feel at home in their bodies. October-born know exactly what they like and how they like it. Their confidence oozes a sexual appeal that the Fairy of Sensuality cannot resist. Of all the birth months, October has the highest probability of falling for their fairy. The Fairy of Sensuality and October-born tempt one another. Seduction may happen, so October-born ought to be careful. Having a sexual relationship with the fae folk can be risky business for humans. NEXT: Mercury Retrograde Hits—These 3 Zodiac Signs Will Feel It Hardest November - The Fairy of Wanderlust Where can those born in November go? These individuals have an adventurous spirit that beckons the Fairy of Wanderlust. This sprite goes wherever November-born go. The Fairy of Wanderlust has an adaptable spirit and positive outlook, making them the perfect travel companion. November birthdays never have to worry or wonder if a trip will go well as long as they honor the Fairy of Wanderlust. Honoring this fairy almost always guarantees a trip of a lifetime. This worldly sprite happily accepts offerings from recent trips—food, drinks, and trinkets are greatly appreciated. December - The Fairy of Yule Merriment is around the corner, as December-born eagerly look forward to celebrating their birthday and Yule. December babies share a joyous nature, which draws the Fairy of Yule out of its slumber and to the festivities. The Fairy of Yule is an ancient fae that only comes out for the holiday season. This jolly fae favors those born in December and will typically do something extra for all of the birthdays. In true fairy tradition, December-born are encouraged to give the Fairy of Yule a gift if they accept the fae's birthday gift. What Kind of Fairy You Are, Based on Your Birth Month first appeared on Parade on Jul 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
New York Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The Ballet Kids of ‘Midsummer' Bring Magic to the Bugs
There is Oberon, the King of the Fairies, and his beautiful Queen, Titania. Puck, a sprite, works his magic with the occasional unforced error, as mortals and immortals find themselves in a similar predicament: wanting to love. And wanting to be loved. But for all the sparkle of the mythological adults in George Balanchine's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' it's the kids — 24, plus Titania's page — that rule this fantastical realm. Enter the Bugs. These young dancers from the School of American Ballet are the heart of New York City Ballet's production. Technically, they play Fairies and Butterflies, but at City Ballet and its training ground, S.A.B., they are known informally as Bugs. (Perhaps less dignified as far as outdoor creatures go, but cuter.) These Bugs are small, exuberant bodies that, at times, scurry across the forest stage, gleaming in the moonlit night. They're a coalition, a small but mighty squad of fleet-footed girls, ages roughly 10 to 12 — 'a wholly unsentimental deployment,' wrote Lincoln Kirstein, who founded the school and company with Balanchine. Balanchine based his ballet more on Felix Mendelssohn's overture and incidental music for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' to which he added additional pieces, than on the Shakespeare comedy. Mendelssohn's sweeping music also thrills the Bugs no end. It puts the gas in their engines, the quiver in their antennas, the flap in their delicate wings. 'You're not walking down the street anymore,' said Naomi Uetani, 11, with a smile she couldn't suppress. 'I'm in a magical place. I understand 'Nutcracker' — yeah, you're in the candy land, but this is different. The feeling.' There's truth to that. 'George Balanchine's The Nutcracker' (1954) is a marvel of storytelling and dancing, and kids play a huge part in it. But 'Midsummer' (1962), which closes City Ballet's spring season this week, remains both grand and carefree, irresistible for its sweetness. That comes from the children. 'They bring so much to the whole idea of the forest and all the little creatures,' Dena Abergel, City Ballet's children's repertory director, said. In other words, they bring the magic. With militaristic precision they burst into the action — their movements sharp and swift — while brief, stand-alone moments bubble up, seemingly from nowhere, as when the Bug called the spinner whips around in place while drawing her arms up and down. The seven Bugs in the overture have more difficult steps, including the first two who perform big saut de chats, or catlike jumps. But largely, for the children, the dancing in 'Midsummer' is a group experience. 'They're all part of the finale, they're all part of the Scherzo,' Abergel said. 'Everybody gets to dance a lot in 'Midsummer.'' Arm movements — pushing them out like rippling wings — are important for the Bugs; running and sharp footwork, too. 'There are a lot of sauté arabesques and pas de chats, and those are things that Balanchine uses from beginning to end in the training,' Abergel said. 'They're practicing all of those crucial classical steps,' as they also work on moving in and out of formations. When she's casting, though, Abergel is on the lookout for something other than technique. 'Just like every creature in nature, there are different bugs and different energies,' she said. 'This is more about energy and that ability to move quickly and with excitement.' For Abergel, the sweetest moment in the ballet has nothing to do with nailing a tight fifth: It's when the bugs yawn and fall asleep on one another in a pile. 'You don't really need any technique for that,' she said. 'You just need to be in the moment and understand what it's about. I love that they experience that onstage.' The children, wearing dresses or short pants and whimsical headwear designed by the innovative costumer Karinska — there are a dozen designs with individual details on each, which is rare for an ensemble — frame the ballet. After the classical wedding scene in the second act, they return to a darkened forest stage for the finale. Isla Cooley, 12, loves this moment, when the adult dancers leave and 'then, us Bugs are running onstage and flapping our wings,' she said. 'I think it was a supervisor who told me that she thought it was like us kind of crashing the party. Because it's like, Oh, wait! We're here.' Last year Isla was the spinner. This year, she is a pop-up Bug. 'When Oberon motions to us, we pop up, we spin, and then we jump around,' she said. Naomi was the first Bug in the overture last year. For her big jumping moment, she said: 'You have butterflies in your stomach, but you also want to do it super bad. So I was scared, excited and like nervous at the same time. But yeah, I still couldn't wait to do it.' What was Balanchine looking for when he cast children in his ballets? 'Curiosity,' said Carol Aaron Bryan, 74, who trained at the School of American Ballet and danced in 'The Nutcracker' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' 'A kind of wonderment — just wondering what this adventure will be.' Bryan was around Balanchine a lot. In 1961 and '62, she performed Clara (as the young girl in 'The Nutcracker' was then known) opposite his Drosselmeier. 'He always did something different in the transition scene, and I never knew what he was going to do,' she said. 'It was always a surprise.' His Drosselmeier would sit near her legs on the sofa where she was meant to be sleeping. 'The whole couch would shake because he'd be fixing that Nutcracker,' she said. 'And I remember this so vividly: He would take the shawl off me and then he would cover me again. Like he was my Drosselmeier, my godfather.' When rehearsals started for 'Midsummer' — the first entirely original full-length ballet Balanchine choreographed in America — she said she felt she had gotten to know him, which 'made it easier for me to react when he asked us for things.' She recalled him working with the students on their runs by taking them to the back of the studio and running along diagonals with them. 'He would really show us,' she said. 'He was so nimble on his feet. It's like his heels never touched the ground. He became a Bug, and he became one of the Fairies. He taught us how to be so light and so quiet.' For Bryan, he was the man with the magic. His ability to enchant lives on in 'Midsummer' — in its glittering array of kids. As Naomi said, 'Without the bugs, the ballet wouldn't be alive.'
